Saracens have announced that they will play their Heineken Cup pool stage match against Biarritz in Cape Town, marking the first time a game in the tournament has been played outside Europe.

European Rugby Cup and the International Rugby Board have approved an application from the Aviva Premiership champions which will make South Africa the 10th country to stage a match in Europe's elite club competition.

The Saracens chairman Nigel Wray said: "The world is becoming increasingly smaller and well connected, and, as a club, we are committed to thinking big and creating major events that people want to watch.

"We look forward to proceeding with these exciting plans, expanding the footprint and commercial value of European rugby."

Saracens are keen to tap into the large South African expatriot community in London.

Harlequins enjoyed a victory over Premiership rivals Wasps in a historic LV Cup match played in the United Arab Emirates earlier this year.